Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole has rescued my holiday table more than once with minimal fuss and classic cozy results. This is that buttery marshmallow-topped tradition you remember from childhood, made from scratch and always a crowd pleaser.

My family started calling it Magic Orange Mash after the first time I made it for Thanksgiving. It disappeared before the turkey even hit the table and now someone always requests it for potlucks or birthdays.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Four large ones make a silky rich base Choose potatoes with tight smooth skins for best flavor
• Light brown sugar: One cup sweetens the mash and adds mild caramel notes Freshly opened sugar always gives the best aroma
• Butter: Half a cup melted brings richness Go for real butter if you can
• Vanilla extract: This teaspoon gives a lovely warm undertone Pure extract has the most true flavor
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Half teaspoon each These cozy spices conjure that holiday feeling Use fresh ground nutmeg if possible
• Salt: Half teaspoon rounds out the flavors Use sea salt or kosher salt for a clean taste
• Mini marshmallows: Ten ounces blanket the top in gooey sweetness Buy the freshest softest ones you can find

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Sweet Potatoes:

Peel sweet potatoes and cut them into large chunks Keep the pieces even so they cook at the same rate

Boil the Potatoes:

Put the sweet potatoes in a large pot Cover with water Bring to a boil over high heat Reduce to medium low and simmer until potatoes are fork tender and nearly falling apart This usually takes about 20 minutes

Mash and Flavor:

Drain well and return the potatoes to the pot Mash thoroughly until extra smooth Add melted butter brown sugar vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt Stir everything together until the mash looks fluffy and even

Spread in the Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish well with cooking spray Spoon in the sweet potato mixture Smooth the surface with a spatula so it bakes evenly

Add Marshmallow Layer:

Scatter the mini marshmallows all over the top in a thick even blanket Press them down just slightly so they stay put during baking

Bake:

Bake in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven for twenty five to thirty five minutes Check at twenty five minutes and then every few minutes until marshmallows are deeply golden and starting to crisp on the peaks

Rest and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let cool for at least ten minutes before serving This helps the layers set and makes scooping much easier

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Sweet potatoes are my favorite for their naturally sugary creamy texture I remember my grandmother mashing them with a fork and letting me sneak marshmallows while we waited for the oven timer to ring

Storage Tips

You can cover and store leftover casserole in the fridge for up to four days After a day the marshmallows lose a bit of their crunch but the flavor is just as good Reheat loosely covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of brown sugar use white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses for similar flavor Coconut sugar works too For dairy free swap in vegan butter and marshmallows

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Serving Suggestions

This classic pairs perfectly with roasted turkey ham or even roast chicken Serve it alongside green beans a crisp salad or something tangy to balance the sweetness Try a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for extra crunch

Cultural and Historical Context

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows became popular in American homes around the early twentieth century It is believed to have originated as part of the push to market marshmallows as a quick topping and it stuck as a Southern holiday staple Now it makes an appearance at tables all over the country each Thanksgiving

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the sweet potatoes are ready to mash?

The sweet potatoes are ready when they become fork-tender and easily fall apart, typically after boiling for about 20 minutes.

→ What can I use instead of mini marshmallows on top?

Pecans or a brown sugar streusel are tasty alternatives that add crunch and complement the sweetness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish and cover. Add marshmallows just before baking for best results.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Is it possible to reduce the sweetness?

You can reduce the brown sugar or use unsweetened toppings like pecans to balance the sweetness to your preference.